GAY MEN MORE VULNERABLE TO QUALITY OF LIFE IMPACTS FOLLOWING PROSTATE CANCER

Survey data on health-related quality of life reveal lower than average scores for gay men who have had prostate cancer

Washington, DC May 14, 2011 – Gay men who have undergone treatment for prostate cancer reported lower health-related quality of life scores compared to data from more generalized populations in other published research, according to a new study being presented during the 106th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA).

The study, which is among the first to quantitatively examine the impact of prostate cancer on gay men, will be presented to reporters during a special press conference at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC on Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.

In the study, 92 gay men from both the United States and Canada completed a cross-sectional Internet-based survey that included the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index (EPIC) and the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire Short-Form, as well as questions relating to fear of cancer recurrence. Gay men, compared to normative data from more generalized populations, reported statistically significant worse functioning and more severe bother scores on the EPIC urinary, bowel, and hormonal symptom scales, and also reported worse EPIC sexual and ejaculatory functioning scores, as well as significantly worse mental health functioning and higher fear of cancer recurrence.

“This is one of the early studies demonstrating that quality of life is more significantly impacted by prostate cancer in the gay population,” said Tomas L. Griebling, MD, MPH, the AUA spokesman who moderated the briefing. “More research is needed to determine what steps we can take to diminish these impacts.”

NOTE TO REPORTERS: Experts are available to discuss this study outside normal briefing times. To arrange an interview with an expert, please contact the AUA Communications Office at the number above or e-mail Communications@AUAnet.org.

About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is the pre-eminent professional organization for urologists, with more than 17,000 members throughout the world. An educational nonprofit organization, the AUA pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care by carrying out a wide variety of programs for members and their patients.